JOHN Easterford says Bowers & Pitsea can hold their head up high following a successful season, regardless of the outcome of tonight’s play-off semi-final against Canvey Island.

The 31-year-old defender has been a regular figure in the Bowers backline and will make his 40th appearance of the season against his former club.

Bowers finished third in the Isthmian North this season, nine points ahead of Canvey in sixth position.

And while Bowers came so close to securing automatic promotion to the Isthmian Premier League, Easterford believes Canvey must win tonight and on Sunday if they are to reflect on a successful campaign.

“Canvey need to get promoted to have a successful season,” said the former Gulls defender, who has won all three of his previous play-off semi-finals as well as two final victories.

“We were a small club at Concord and we achieved great things and the pressure is not on us tonight either.

“Sometimes we may get 100 supporters but we have a small fanbase. But there could be 300 or 400 there tonight and that is massive.

“We want to be part of these occasions and not many guys in the changing room have been before. But they are hungry and want to do well.

“Everyone loves these games. People who have finished their seasons or are in the division above want to watch the game and for the up and coming lads it’s a chance to showcase what they have got.

“There are some very good young players. We have five or six guys that could comfortably step up and two or three that could play in the National League South.”

Easterford won promotion via the play-offs in 2013.

But he accepts that counts for very little when the two teams take to the pitch this evening.

“I have been fortunate to be involved in two or three of these occasions with Concord and I have learned over this time that it is a one-off game,” said Easterford.

“Whoever wants it the most and works harder will win, but anything can happen.

“To just miss out on the play-offs last year and do what we have done this year shows real character. The team has progressed.

“Look at who missed out on the play-offs. Haringey Borough, Heybridge Swifts and Canvey should all have been aiming for the top two.

“Our mission was to sneak into the play-offs, so to finish third and have a home semi-final is a real bonus.”